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Compare Boarding Schools in Hampshire

Hampshire occupies a unique position within the independent school sector, combining a long-established boarding tradition with some of the country's most respected boarding schools. Families considering Hampshire often have access to a wide range of boarding models, educational approaches and school cultures.

Hampshire occupies a unique position within the independent school sector, combining a long-established boarding tradition with some of the country's most respected boarding schools. Families considering Hampshire often have access to a wide range of boarding models, educational approaches and school cultures.

Featured Schools in this Comparison

Side-by-side key details for the schools featured on this page.

Winchester College

Winchester College

Winchester, Hampshire

Age range
13–19
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
734
Type
Boarding

Fees (per term, inc. VAT)

Day £14,800
Boarding £20,000
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Bedales School

Bedales School

Petersfield, Hampshire

Age range
3–19
Gender
Co-educational
Pupils
768
Type
Day & Boarding

Fees (per term, inc. VAT)

Day £4,420 - £14,717
Boarding £13,058 - £19,000
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St Swithun's School
Age range
3–18
Gender
Girls
Pupils
715
Type
Day & Boarding

Fees (per term, inc. VAT)

Day £5,639 - £10,847
Boarding £18,332
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Lord Wandsworth College

Lord Wandsworth College

Hook, Hampshire

Age range
11–19
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
706
Type
Day & Boarding

Fees (per term, inc. VAT)

Day £10,584 - £12,444
Boarding £13,536 - £17,640
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Farnborough Hill

Farnborough Hill

Farnborough, Hampshire

Age range
11–18
Gender
Girls
Pupils
502
Type
Day

Fees (per term, inc. VAT)

Day £8,130
Boarding Not provided
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Churcher's College

Churcher's College

Petersfield, Hampshire

Age range
2–18
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
1,332
Type
Day

Fees (per term, inc. VAT)

Day £5,150 - £7,996
Boarding Not provided
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Embley

Embley

Romsey, Hampshire

Age range
2–19
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
688
Type
Day & Boarding

Fees (per term, inc. VAT)

Day £4,990 - £7,912
Boarding £9,415 - £13,861
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Walhampton School

Walhampton School

Lymington, Hampshire

Age range
2–13
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
344
Type
Day & Boarding

Fees (per term, inc. VAT)

Day £4,655 - £8,795
Boarding £8,850 - £12,350
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Why Families Choose Boarding Schools in Hampshire

  • Home to some of the South's most respected boarding schools.
  • Strong mix of traditional and progressive educational approaches.
  • Extensive campuses and outdoor learning opportunities.
  • Excellent boarding culture and pastoral support.
  • Easy access to London and the South Coast.

School Summaries

Winchester College

A long-established boarding tradition and a reputation for intellectual engagement make Winchester College one of the UK's most distinctive boarding schools. Life at the school extends well beyond academic study, with pupils immersed in a residential community that places considerable value on curiosity, participation and personal responsibility. Its combination of academic depth, history and boarding culture attracts families looking for an environment that offers challenge, independence and a strong sense of belonging. Families often compare Winchester College with Eton College, Radley College and Marlborough College when considering boarding provision, educational culture and overall school experience.

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Bedales School

Bedales School has long attracted families looking for a boarding environment that feels different from the traditional independent school model. The school's approach encourages individuality, creativity and independent thinking, with pupils given opportunities to develop their own interests and strengths within a close-knit boarding community. Its progressive outlook and emphasis on personal growth appeal to families seeking a boarding experience that values character and self-expression as highly as academic achievement. Families often compare Bedales School with Frensham Heights School, Wellington College and Lord Wandsworth College when considering educational approach, boarding provision and school culture.

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St Swithun's School

A strong boarding culture and a reputation for helping girls develop confidence in their own abilities make St Swithun's School a popular choice for families considering girls' boarding education. Life at the school combines academic ambition with a supportive residential environment, allowing pupils to build independence while remaining part of a close-knit community. The school's balance of achievement, wellbeing and personal development appeals to families looking for a boarding experience that prepares girls for future success while encouraging them to make the most of opportunities beyond the classroom. Families often compare St Swithun's School with Downe House, St Mary's School Ascot and Wycombe Abbey when considering girls' boarding provision, school culture and overall educational experience.

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Lord Wandsworth College

Community has long been at the heart of the boarding experience at Lord Wandsworth College. Pupils are encouraged to immerse themselves in all aspects of school life, benefiting from a residential environment that helps develop confidence, independence and lasting friendships alongside academic progress. The school's welcoming atmosphere and broad educational outlook appeal to families seeking a boarding school where personal growth, participation and opportunity are valued as highly as achievement. Families often compare Lord Wandsworth College with Bedales School, Wellington College and Bradfield College when considering boarding provision, school culture and overall school experience.

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Farnborough Hill

A supportive boarding environment and a strong focus on individual development make Farnborough Hill an attractive option for families considering girls' boarding education in Hampshire. The school combines academic ambition with a close-knit residential community where pupils are encouraged to build confidence, independence and resilience throughout their school years. Its emphasis on knowing and supporting each girl as an individual appeals to families looking for a boarding experience that balances achievement with personal growth and wellbeing. Families often compare Farnborough Hill with St Swithun's School, St Mary's School Ascot and Downe House when considering girls' boarding provision, school culture and overall educational experience.

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Churcher's College

A strong sense of community and a broad educational experience have helped make Churcher's College a popular choice for families across Hampshire. Pupils are encouraged to immerse themselves in academics, sport, music, drama, leadership and wider school life, helping them develop confidence, independence and a wide range of interests. While best known as a day school, Churcher's also offers boarding opportunities for families seeking additional flexibility within a high-achieving co-educational environment. Families often compare Churcher's College with Portsmouth Grammar School, King Edward VI School Southampton and Lord Wandsworth College when considering educational approach, school culture and overall school experience.

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Embley

A flexible approach to education and a strong focus on individual development make Embley an attractive option for families considering boarding in Hampshire. Pupils benefit from a broad educational experience that encourages participation across academics, sport, music, drama and wider school life while helping them build confidence and independence. The school's welcoming atmosphere and emphasis on preparing young people for life beyond school appeal to families looking for a boarding environment that balances achievement with personal growth. Families often compare Embley with Lord Wandsworth College, Bedales School and Churcher's College when considering boarding provision, educational approach and overall school culture.

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Walhampton School

For families exploring boarding options at prep school level, Walhampton School is often a school worth considering. The school combines academic preparation with outdoor learning, adventure, sport and a wide range of wider activities, helping children develop confidence, independence and resilience from an early age. Its boarding provision and emphasis on learning beyond the classroom appeal to families seeking a preparatory education that offers both strong foundations and memorable childhood experiences. Families often compare Walhampton School with Farleigh School, Twyford School and Wellesley Prep School when considering boarding provision, educational approach and preparation for senior school.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best boarding schools in Hampshire?§
Hampshire is home to some of the UK's most respected boarding schools, ranging from traditional full-boarding schools with centuries of history to modern schools offering flexible boarding arrangements. The best school for any child will depend on factors such as academic ability, personality, interests and long-term aspirations. Some schools are known for academic excellence and university destinations, while others are particularly recognised for sport, outdoor education, music, drama or pastoral care. Families often compare boarding culture, facilities, school ethos and co-curricular opportunities alongside academic outcomes when building a shortlist. Visiting schools can help parents understand how different boarding environments may suit different pupils.
Why do families choose boarding schools in Hampshire?
Hampshire has long been associated with boarding education and offers an exceptional concentration of highly regarded schools. Families are often attracted by the combination of strong academic standards, extensive facilities and beautiful rural settings, while still benefiting from good transport links to London and the South East. Many Hampshire boarding schools place a strong emphasis on community, personal development and participation beyond the classroom. For parents considering boarding education, the county offers a wide range of educational approaches and school cultures to explore.
Are Hampshire boarding schools academically selective?
Admissions requirements vary significantly between schools. Some Hampshire boarding schools operate highly competitive admissions processes and attract applicants from across the UK and internationally. Others take a broader approach and focus on identifying pupils who will thrive within their educational environment. Entrance assessments, interviews, references and school reports are commonly used during admissions. Families should look beyond selectivity alone and consider whether a school's academic approach and culture are likely to suit their child.
What boarding options are available in Hampshire?
Many Hampshire schools offer a range of boarding arrangements, including full boarding, weekly boarding and flexi boarding. Full boarding typically involves pupils remaining at school throughout the week and most weekends, while weekly boarding allows pupils to return home at weekends. Flexi boarding provides occasional overnight stays and can be particularly useful for busy families. Boarding options vary between schools, so families should compare not only the arrangements available but also the overall boarding culture and level of pastoral support.
How much do boarding schools in Hampshire cost?
Boarding school fees vary according to the school, age group and boarding provision. Fees generally include tuition, accommodation, meals and pastoral care, although additional charges may apply for uniforms, trips, examinations and some extracurricular activities. Many schools also offer scholarships and means-tested bursaries to eligible families. When comparing schools, it is often helpful to look beyond headline fees and consider the overall educational experience and opportunities included within the cost.
Do boarding schools in Hampshire offer scholarships and bursaries?
Most leading Hampshire boarding schools offer scholarships recognising achievement or potential in areas such as academics, sport, music, drama and art. Scholarships vary considerably in value and may provide either financial assistance or honorary recognition. Means-tested bursaries are also available at many schools and are designed to support families who may require financial assistance. Families interested in financial support should research options early, as application processes and deadlines vary between schools.
What should parents compare when researching boarding schools in Hampshire?
Families should compare far more than examination results alone. Important considerations often include boarding culture, pastoral care, academic approach, facilities, sport, co-curricular opportunities, class sizes and destination outcomes. The quality of boarding provision can be particularly important, as it shapes much of a pupil's day-to-day experience. Visiting schools, speaking with current pupils and attending open events can provide valuable insights into school life that are difficult to gain from prospectuses alone.
How can families choose the right boarding school in Hampshire?
The right boarding school is usually one that balances academic ambition with wellbeing, opportunity and personal development. Families should consider where their child is most likely to feel supported, engaged and able to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Comparing schools side by side can help parents understand how different environments, boarding arrangements and educational philosophies may suit different pupils. A successful choice is often determined as much by school culture and community as by academic reputation alone.

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